SPRINGFIELD – Legislation recognizing the important role sheriffs play in ensuring the safety and well-being of Illinois communities has been signed into law, thanks to the efforts of State Senator Dale Fowler (R-Harrisburg) and Representative Patrick Windhorst (R-Metropolis).

House Bill 5128, sponsored by the Southern Illinois lawmakers, addresses a longstanding oversight by allowing sheriffs to serve on local 911 boards.

“Our local 911 boards are deeply involved in planning, implementing, and maintaining our 911 systems,” said Senator Fowler. “It only made sense that sheriffs be allowed to serve on these boards to ensure that their expertise and insights as law enforcement officers are integrated into the decision-making processes.”

The new law amends the Emergency Telephone System Act to explicitly include sheriffs as eligible members on local 911 boards, ensuring their input and leadership are included in these critical functions.

House Republican Floor Leader State Representative Patrick Windhorst says that county sheriffs are well-qualified members of the law enforcement community and are also very familiar with how their county’s 911 system works.

“I believe this is a common sense measure which will clarify the law,” Rep. Windhorst said. “We will always need strong, qualified appointees serving on our 911 boards, and county sheriffs meet these requirements.”

HB 5128 passed the House and Senate with unanimous support earlier this spring. Governor Pritzker signed the measure into law on Friday, July 19.